All Things Denote there is a God- Temples and Symbolism
Throughout our mortal journey, God gives us symbols to help us better understand Him and His ways. We have the blessing and responsibility to look beyond the earthly representations around us that we might comprehend the things of eternity. God’s holy temples are one of many evidences of His love. It is in the temples that we have a more direct conduit to the peace, joy and understanding that God has send us here to find and experience. The temples are richly symbolic, inside and out. If we are prepared spiritually, these symbols open up our minds to more fully comprehend God’s plan for us.
All Things Denote There is a God- Mountains
LDS temples are special edifices. Unlike LDS chapels that are numerous and used for regular Sunday worship, LDS temples are fewer in number and are reserved for specific ordinances and covenants with God that allow families to be bound together in the eternities.
Mountains have often been symbolic of high places where one can get closer to and commune more directly with God. LDS temples symbolize spiritual mountains as taught in the second chapter of Isaiah where temples are described as “the mountain of the Lord’s house.”
I am thankful for the beautiful LDS temple in the Las Vegas valley. My experiences there have been life-changing and have brought much peace and understanding to my heart.
Gratitude- Do Clothes Make the Man?
Thirty five years ago today, Michelle married her first husband. As you can see from the photo, fashion was not his strongest suit. Somehow Michelle saw beyond the blue corduroy, bell-bottomed pants and hung on for the ride. And I am so grateful she did.
Gratitude- Exploring the Shoreline
Our 35th anniversary falls this weekend. We had a great day together, including dinner, a movie, and a ride in the kayaks. We were well on the other side of the lake when Michelle said, “Let’s explore the shoreline.” I hadn’t heard her say that before in our kayaking outings but it sounded interesting so I paddled near her, along the west shoreline. She then stopped at the shore, where we had never stopped before, and said, “Let’s get out here.” Now this did seem a bit odd. But, of course, I said, “Sure.” It ends up that Michelle had packed a picnic breakfast in the hull of the two kayaks, carefully hidden from view. We had a delightful meal together, along the peaceful shoreline of Lake Jacqueline. I am most grateful for Michelle. She is a true gem.
Gratitude- The Pathway Program
In one of the paradoxes of life, we receive the most when we give. Through the LDS church, Michelle and I have a responsibility to give service in the Pathway Program. Through this inspired program, formal education is made available to many throughout the world. Students gather locally, once a week, for a special meeting but do most of their school work on-line. Through the Pathway Program, several BYU-Idaho associates and bachelors degrees are available to students who continue their “normal lives” with family and work, while achieving their educational goals.
In the few short months we have been serving in this program, it is clear that it not only brings the blessings of formal education to many, but is also a great blessing in other ways. Through the Pathway Program, strong friendships are forged, commitments are renewed, life’s dreams are realized, and the strength of God is expanded in the lives of all who participate. Michelle and I are blessed for our role in this visionary program. As we give, we also receive much.
